Under the leadership of the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), the primary organization in the U.S. representing people with rare diseases, millions of Americans will gather tomorrow to observe the 5th annual Rare Disease Day. This international observance unites people around the globe to focus attention on the estimated 300 to 350 million patients worldwide afflicted with rare diseases and to recognize that their needs are a global public health concern. In the U.S., a rare disease is one that affects fewer than 200,000 Americans.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/60507-nord-rare-disease-day
Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc. [http://www.upsher-smith.com] today announced that its epilepsy-focused educational website, http://www.Epilog.us, has been expanded to include thought-leader commentary on issues related to Epilepsy and Comorbidities. The newly updated website will make its debut at the 64th Annual American Academy of Neurology Meeting in New Orleans on April 23 – 26, 2012, at the Upsher-Smith exhibit, booth number 128.
TO view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/55934-upsher-smith-expands-epilog-us-on-epilepsy-comorbidities
“Explore Your Treatment Options,” a new multimedia ad campaign announced today by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and the Ad Council, encourages patients to become more informed about their options before choosing a treatment for a health condition or illness.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/adcouncil/50583/
Researchers have identified the first gene mutation associated with a chronic and often fatal form of neuroblastoma that typically strikes adolescents and young adults. The finding provides the first clue about the genetic basis of the long-recognized but poorly understood link between treatment outcome and age at diagnosis.
The study involved 104 infants, children and young adults with advanced neuroblastoma, a cancer of the sympathetic nervous system. Investigators discovered the ATRX gene was mutated only in patients age 5 and older. The alterations occurred most often in patients age 12 and older. These older patients were also more likely than their younger counterparts to have a chronic form of neuroblastoma and die years after their disease is diagnosed.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/52992-st-jude-pediatric-cancer-genome-project-neuroblastoma-research
Researchers have discovered that a subtype of leukemia characterized by a poor prognosis is fueled by mutations in pathways distinctly different from a seemingly similar leukemia associated with a much better outcome. The findings from the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital — Washington University Pediatric Cancer Genome Project (PCGP) highlight a possible new strategy for treating patients with this more aggressive cancer.
The work provides the first details of the genetic alterations fueling a subtype of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) known as early T-cell precursor ALL (ETP-ALL). The results suggest ETP-ALL has more in common with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) than with other subtypes of ALL. The study appears in the January 12 edition of the journal Nature.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/46768-st-jude-cancer-genome-sequencing-project-combat-aggressive-leukemia
Sanofi (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY) and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: REGN) today announced that data from two Phase 2 trials with SAR236553/REGN727, an investigational, high-affinity, subcutaneously administered, fully-human antibody targeting PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9), were presented at the American College of Cardiology’s (ACC) 61st Annual Scientific Meeting in Chicago.
The data showed that treatment with SAR236553/REGN727 over 8 to 12 weeks significantly reduced mean low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C, or “bad” cholesterol) by 40% to 72% in patients with elevated LDL-C on stable dose of statins.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/55299-sanofi-regeneron-pharmaceuticals-lipid-lowering-medications-pcsk9-antibody
Philips Respironics, a unit of Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) and a pioneer in science-based sleep solutions, is simplifying the design, fitting and care of full-face masks for sleep apnea patients. With its unique modular design, the new Amara full-face mask further demonstrates Philips’ commitment to developing solutions aimed at improving care and outcomes.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/57117-philips-respironics-revolutionary-full-face-mask-sleep-therapy
Miramar Labs today announced that the miraDry System for the treatment of primary axillary hyperhidrosis, commonly known as excessive underarm sweat, is now available to select physicians in the U.S. The miraDry procedure provides a safe and lasting solution for this debilitating condition.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration granted clearance for miraDry following a robust, randomized, blinded clinical study that involved 120 patients at seven clinics and followed them 12-months post treatment. The miraDry System delivers energy non-invasively to the area under the arm where the sweat glands reside which creates localized heat to destroy and eliminate the glands. Since sweat glands do not regenerate, results are lasting.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/54021-miramar-labs-miradry-treat-excessive-underarm-sweat-axillary-hyperhidrosis
Joerns Healthcare has launched the Dolphin Fluid Immersion Simulation® system that more effectively prevents and treats pressure-related injuries than other surfaces. This patented technology simulates the effect of floating in water for patients on hospital beds, stretchers, and in wheel chairs. The Dolphin technology continually adjusts to the patient’s body, promoting tissue perfusion and oxygenation, and minimizing injury related to compromised blood flow. The Dolphin is also proven to accelerate healing of advanced stage or multiple pressure ulcers, muscle flaps, skin grafts, burns and other wound conditions.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/58463-joerns-dolphin-fluid-immersion-simulation-system-pressure-related-injuries
New research released today to mark European Week Against Pain reveals that, in more than half of cases, peoples’ levels of pain across Europe are not being adequately assessed.
More than half (52%) of European primary care physicians use no form of assessment tool to measure peoples’ levels of pain despite chronic pain affecting 1 in 52 adults across Europe. A study in Finland found that pain is also the reason for 40% of patient visits to a primary care physician each year, with approximately 20% of these patients having experienced their pain for more than 6 months.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/prne/mundipharma/52140/
It was January 2012, Isaac dribbled the ball; shot it through the hoop, swish! This was a simple moment the 15-year-old athlete who once participated in cross country, soccer and basketball, thought he’d never experience again. Ten months earlier, Isaac was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He became a patient at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® and through extensive treatment and care, his cancer is in remission and he is able to play the sports he loves.
Chili’s® Grill & Bar is helping St. Jude patients like Isaac enjoy their own special, everyday moments through the brand’s ninth annual Create-A-Pepper to Fight Childhood Cancer campaign. Participating Chili’s restaurants nationwide and in Puerto Rico are joining in the fight against childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness month and through Sept. 26, Chili’s guests can help the cause by donating at their local restaurants and online.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/57540-chili-s-create-a-pepper-for-st-jude
In support of American Diabetes Month®, Colgate Total® is working with the American Diabetes Association to educate patients about diabetes and gum disease and to empower them to help take charge of their diabetes.
A recent survey conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Colgate Total® about oral health reveals a lack of awareness about the various health issues associated with diabetes. More than one third of all respondents (36%) are not aware of the link between diabetes and oral health and are less likely to associate oral health issues with diabetes than almost all other health conditions related to diabetes. More than half (54%) report one or more symptoms of gum disease – yet 67% do not discuss their oral health with their doctor.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/58614-colgate-total-american-diabetes-association-oral-health-and-diabetes
